Fay "Honey" Knopp, the founder of Safer Society Foundation, was an American Quaker minister, peace and civil rights advocate, and prison abolitionist.
The groundwork for Safer Society Foundation was laid over 40 years ago when our founder, Fay Honey Knopp, began her work as a prison visitor. As she spent time with large numbers of inmates, she became convinced that significant changes were needed in the criminal justice system.
The Beginning
In 1975, under the auspices of the New York State Council of Churches, she founded the Prison Research Education/Action Project (PREAP). PREAP was a national project that engaged in advocacy research and action on nonrepressive alternatives to incarceration for people who offended, remedies for those who have been harmed, and primary and secondary prevention strategies. By 1979, PREAP’s work had become focused on society’s responses to sexual violence. As Ms. Knopp later wrote, she was advocating for more appropriate responses to sexual violence than “warehousing the perpetrators in prison, neglecting sexual assault victims, and abdicating our responsibility to prevent such assaults.”
Safer Society Press and Program
In the early 1980s, few programs existed to treat either juveniles or adults who had caused sexual harm. Ms. Knopp wrote books describing these programs to assist others in starting their own programs. She also wrote a pamphlet addressed to judges and legislators advocating early intervention with and treatment of adolescents with sexual behavior problems to prevent a life-long history of offending.
These books, and others resulting from the work of PREAP, were published under the Safer Society Press imprint. As PREAP’s focus changed to sexual violence prevention and treatment, the decision was made to replace the PREAP name with Safer Society Press and Program.
In 1995, Safer Society Press and Program separated from the New York State Council of Churches and became an independent 501(c)3 organization, incorporating under the name of Safer Society Foundation. Knopp's legacy continues through the ongoing work of the foundation and its various initiatives, including the:
- Safer Society Press, which publishes materials for professionals engaged in the treatment of people with problematic sexual behaviors, as well as books for people who have been abused and their families.
- Continuing Education Center, which aims to provide high-quality educational opportunities for professionals working with those with harmful behaviors.
Our Mission
We are committed to harnessing the power of knowledge, compassion, and innovation to create a world free from sexual abuse and social violence.
Our Team
We have a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in furthering Safer Society's mission.
Board of Directors
We have dedicated board members who play a crucial role in providing strategic resources to power Safer Society's success.